How to Control Cucumber Beetles Naturally
Cucumber beetles are tiny insects that are mostly found around cucumber plants, but also love feeding on melons, squash, potatoes and tomatoes. These yellowish green tiny insects not only destroy the crop by eating the fruit or vegetable, but also spread a serious disease called “bacterial wilt”. Besides cucumber plants, several other plants in the garden also get affected by this disease, leaving the gardener with no other choice, but to get the affected plants out of the garden. Since cucumber beetles mostly attack edible plants, you cannot spray harsh chemicals to get rid of them. However, there are several household items that you can use to deter these insects and keep them from eating your plants and fruit.
Things Required:
– 1 oz. wood ash
– 1 oz. hydrated lime
– 1 gallon water
– Mason jar
– 2 to 3 cloves of garlic
– 2 tbsp. hot pepper flakes
– 1 cup boiling water
– Cheesecloth
– 1 qt. Water
– 2 tbsp. dish soap
– Empty spray bottle
Instructions
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1
Wood ash insecticide
Collect one ounce wood ash from a fireplace and combine it with one ounce hydrated lime. Dissolve this mixture in one gallon of water and transfer the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray the plants that are vulnerable to cucumber beetles’ attack. Make sure you spray the ground around the plants as well with this mixture. -
2
Garlic and red pepper spray
Put garlic and red pepper flakes in a mason jar and fill it with warm water. Cover the jar with its lid and let it stand for complete one day. Run this mixture through a cheesecloth and collect the liquid in a jar, while discarding the solid stuff. Now add a dishwashing soap to the strained liquid and stir it thoroughly. Your homemade insecticide is ready, transfer it into a spray bottle and spray it over the plants and area around them. -
3
Companion planting
Companion planting is a best way to deter harmful insects. Broccoli, radish and catnip are disliked by the cucumber beetles due to their peculiar smell. So grow these plants among the ones that attract cucumber beetles. -
4
Onion skin
Onion skin is also very effective when it comes to deterring cucumber beetles. Sprinkle the ground around these plants with onion skin. It will not only drive the insects away, but will also enhance the fertility of the soil.
